WGU D115 Advanced Pathophysiology High-Yield Study Guide
Advanced Pathophysiology Study Review
I got this list of things to study off this page from other people’s posts. About
half these items were on my test and other half were not. Below this list is
my list of topics that I did see….
Have an understanding/general idea over the following topics:
● Myasthenia gravis (key in cranial nerves),
● Turner syndrome
● Bell’s palsy
● Down syndrome
● the ideal diet for a CA patient (Mediterranean Diet)
● High saturated fats in diet = increase cancer risk
● cerebral palsy
● the type of test needed for the diagnosis of herpes
● Left vs Right Heart Failure
,● AKI
● CKD
● kidney structures/function.
● Read about which part absorbs medication, which partly works
with diuretics, aldosterone, Cushing's, Addison's, ovarian (LH,
FSH proliferation), etc.,
● PCOS
● STIs (herpes, AIDS/HIV)
● Priaprism
● Peyronies disease
● immunity & types of hypersensitivity
● ALL/AML, which is more common in kids and adults
● CLl (example if the question talks about t or b cells you should already
be thinking ALL or CLL),
● Hypertension know the pathophysiology plus the stages, for
example, which stage of Hypertension is 190/99?
,● PTH
● osteoporosis vs OA vs. osteopenia (if the question talks about the
joint, you should be able to know that’s probably about OA) (know
the T-score as well).
● RA
● sickle cell
● DM1 and DM2
● Know DIC, shock, and acid/base
● “Thyroid and adrenal disorders — high yield.”
● Pancreatitis vs appendicitis vs cholecystitis
● MODS what would cause it (more than likely sepsis or burns), but
understand the type of vitals you will get as well (BP, hr, etc.)
● cystic fibrosis vs asthma, vs emphysema.
● Post-renal (obstruction), pre-renal (systemic complications), and
intrarenal (damage to nephrons), you will have to know these to
answer the question.
● Stages of burns based on the info provided, rule of 9s, parkland formula
for fluid resuscitation
, ● Critical upper respiratory infections to know: pharyngitis, tonsillar
abscess
🧠Neurological
Pseudotumor Cerebri (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension)
● Patho: Increased intracranial pressure without a tumor or lesion.
● Risk factors: Obese women of childbearing age, vitamin A toxicity,
tetracycline use.
● Symptoms: Headache, papilledema, visual disturbances, pulsatile
tinnitus.
● Exam: Normal neuroimaging, elevated CSF pressure on LP.
● Complication: Vision loss if untreated.
Decorticate vs. Decerebrate Posturing
● Decorticate (flexor): Damage above the red nucleus (cerebral
hemispheres, internal capsule, thalamus). Flexed arms, extended
legs.
Advanced Pathophysiology Study Review
I got this list of things to study off this page from other people’s posts. About
half these items were on my test and other half were not. Below this list is
my list of topics that I did see….
Have an understanding/general idea over the following topics:
● Myasthenia gravis (key in cranial nerves),
● Turner syndrome
● Bell’s palsy
● Down syndrome
● the ideal diet for a CA patient (Mediterranean Diet)
● High saturated fats in diet = increase cancer risk
● cerebral palsy
● the type of test needed for the diagnosis of herpes
● Left vs Right Heart Failure
,● AKI
● CKD
● kidney structures/function.
● Read about which part absorbs medication, which partly works
with diuretics, aldosterone, Cushing's, Addison's, ovarian (LH,
FSH proliferation), etc.,
● PCOS
● STIs (herpes, AIDS/HIV)
● Priaprism
● Peyronies disease
● immunity & types of hypersensitivity
● ALL/AML, which is more common in kids and adults
● CLl (example if the question talks about t or b cells you should already
be thinking ALL or CLL),
● Hypertension know the pathophysiology plus the stages, for
example, which stage of Hypertension is 190/99?
,● PTH
● osteoporosis vs OA vs. osteopenia (if the question talks about the
joint, you should be able to know that’s probably about OA) (know
the T-score as well).
● RA
● sickle cell
● DM1 and DM2
● Know DIC, shock, and acid/base
● “Thyroid and adrenal disorders — high yield.”
● Pancreatitis vs appendicitis vs cholecystitis
● MODS what would cause it (more than likely sepsis or burns), but
understand the type of vitals you will get as well (BP, hr, etc.)
● cystic fibrosis vs asthma, vs emphysema.
● Post-renal (obstruction), pre-renal (systemic complications), and
intrarenal (damage to nephrons), you will have to know these to
answer the question.
● Stages of burns based on the info provided, rule of 9s, parkland formula
for fluid resuscitation
, ● Critical upper respiratory infections to know: pharyngitis, tonsillar
abscess
🧠Neurological
Pseudotumor Cerebri (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension)
● Patho: Increased intracranial pressure without a tumor or lesion.
● Risk factors: Obese women of childbearing age, vitamin A toxicity,
tetracycline use.
● Symptoms: Headache, papilledema, visual disturbances, pulsatile
tinnitus.
● Exam: Normal neuroimaging, elevated CSF pressure on LP.
● Complication: Vision loss if untreated.
Decorticate vs. Decerebrate Posturing
● Decorticate (flexor): Damage above the red nucleus (cerebral
hemispheres, internal capsule, thalamus). Flexed arms, extended
legs.
